It’s been about 25 years since allegations involving clergy sexual abuse began making headlines across the United States. As per a nationwide clergy sexual abuse lawyer, the stories first came out of Boston. At the center of those stories was a Roman Catholic priest who was alleged to have abused 130 parishioners, mostly boys. On top of that story were allegations that the archbishop of Boston at the time was aware of the allegations against that specific priest and failed to report him or take steps to have him removed from priesthood. Instead, the priest was transferred from parish to parish where his acts of sexual abuse continued.
Clergy Abuse Crosses Faiths
Clergy abuse doesn’t stop with the Roman Catholic Church. It crosses every faith, but if it’s dealt with, it’s almost always addressed internally. Then, far more often than not, it’s covered up. Anybody can be a victim of clergy abuse too. Most often, victims are boys between the ages of 12 and 14.
The Burden of Proof
When victims of clergy abuse in the United States file lawsuits seeking compensation for the damages that they suffered, they’re filing civil lawsuits and not criminal prosecutions. The burden of proof in those civil cases is far different from in criminal cases when the prosecution must prove its case beyond a doubt. In a civil case for damages, the claimant need only prove their case by a preponderance of the evidence. What that means is that the claimant’s case is more likely true than not true. Even if a prosecutor can’t overcome his or her proof in a criminal case, a clergy sex abuse victim can still prevail in a civil case for damages. It’s due to the lower burden of proof in the two different types of cases.
Speaking with a Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Those who have lived through clergy sexual abuse are understandably apprehensive about taking legal action and telling their highly personal and emotional stories. They need only keep the fact in mind that a nationwide clergy sexual abuse lawyer has heard similar accounts of clergy sexual abuse in the past.
The Statute of Limitations Issue
Many clergy sexual abuse survivors have also been reluctant to share their stories with legal professionals because the abuse occurred many years ago, and the civil statute of limitations had expired. They need to be aware of the fact that an increasing number of states have temporarily expanded the applicable limitations period for civil actions against both clergy and the churches that they’re connected with.
Any new limitations periods will be closing again soon. Victims who wish to learn more need to make appropriate inquiries before that window closes again.
